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Recent Graduates
Degree Offered
Doctor of Philosophy
The Graduate Program in Cancer Cell Biology (CCB) is one of seven programs in the WVU School of Medicine offering interdisciplinary biomedical research training leading to the Ph.D. degree. The major purpose of graduate education in this program is training in modern cancer research. The program provides a strong foundation in the basic concepts of cell biology, oncogenes and signaling networks, tumor microenvironment, bioinformatics, and chemotherapeutics, which the student will learn through course work and laboratory training. Graduate students will develop skills in designing experimental procedures/protocols and in conducting independent research using state-of-the-art technologies. Each student will complete an original, in-depth research investigation. The overall aim of the program is to prepare students to succeed in a variety of science careers, including academic research, undergraduate teaching, science writing and basic or applied science in industry.
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Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Graduate Program in CCB should have a bachelor’s degree and excellent GRE scores. Undergraduate work for applicants should include upper-level courses in the biological sciences, two semesters of organic chemistry, two semesters of physics, and a strong background in mathematics (including calculus) in order to be considered for admission. Applicants must submit a departmental application form, three letters of recommendation, and general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores to the Graduate Coordinator, West Virginia University, P.O Box 9300, Morgantown, WV 26506-9300. In addition, transcripts and an official application for admission must be sent directly to the WVU Office of Admissions and Records, P.O. Box 6009, Morgantown, WV 26506-6009. Applicants for admission to a CCB degree program should have a grade-point average of 3.0 or better and must take the general GRE. GRE scores are used as one of several selection criteria for admission to the graduate program. Although no minimum score is required for selection, successful applicants usually have a combined score of 1500 or greater on the general GRE. International students must have a TOEFL score of at least 550 by paper exam or 260 by computer exam. Early application is encouraged. Applicants desiring financial aid should complete their application before March 1. All applications must be completed by June 1 for fall admission. No mid-year admissions are made.
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CCB Program Requirements
Every student will initiate course work in an undifferentiated Biomedical Sciences Core Curriculum and must demonstrate proficiency by examination in each of the following areas: Cellular Structure and Function, Fundamentals of Integrated Systems, Biostatistics for the Basic Sciences, Discussions on Scientific Integrity, Research Rotations 1,2,3, Molecular Genetics, and Scientific Writing. The remainder of the coursework is selected by the student and the Advisory Committee from the required CCB curriculum to include Introduction to Cancer Cell Biology (CCMD793M), Basic and Clinical Aspects of Cancer (CCMD793P), Oncogenes and Signaling Networks (CCMD793Q), Cancer Therapeutics (CCMD793R) and other Special Topics courses offered by the CCB Program faculty, as needed. The Cancer Cell Biology Program has journal clubs in tumor microenvironment, signaling networks and therapeutics. These journal clubs are designed to help students develop skills in reading, interpreting, and discussing current research articles. All students are expected to participate in one or more. Enrollment in MICB796 Seminar and MICB793 Special Topics (including Journal Club) is required each semester that the student is in residence.
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Doctor of Philosophy
Students with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree can apply to the Ph.D. program. Those with a bachelor’s degree must complete the basic course requirements expected of a Ph.D. candidate. The doctoral candidate with an M.S. degree from another department must have had coursework or demonstrate knowledge in a biomedical field or its equivalent. In addition, the doctoral student will take additional coursework as determined by the student’s Graduate Research Advisory Committee. The student will maintain a grade-point average of 3.0. The doctor of philosophy program requires a dissertation representing the results of an original research investigation and the passing of a written qualifying and final oral examination. Part one of the qualifying examination should be completed prior to beginning Year 2, usually in the summer between Year 1 and Year 2 of graduate study. A proposal defense should be completed by start of Spring semester of Year 3. The final examination for the Ph.D. degree will be the public dissertation defense.
For application materials, a description of faculty research interests, guidelines for graduate study in the Cancer Cell Biology Program, or additional information, please contact either the Health Sciences Center Admissions and Scholarship Committee (http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/resoff/), the Graduate Coordinator of the Cancer Cell Biology Program, Interdisciplinary Center for Cancer Cell Biology, West Virginia University, P.O Box 9300, or visit our web site at http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/mbrcc/.
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Research Areas for Study
- Signaling networks that regulate cellular motility and invasion in breast cancer.
- Anoikis and the role of cell adhesion in cellular survival and mechanism of tumor suppression by E1a.
- Bioinformatics and computer software applications that integrate information exchange.
- PI3K and angiogenesis.
- Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenomics and oncology.
- Regulation of the actin cytoskeleton in cell motility and tumor cell invasion.
- Mutagenesis of EGF receptor in lung cancer.
- Proteomics, monoterpenes and cancer.
- Death domain folds in cancer, inflammation and immunity.
Cancer Cell Biology Curriculum
Fall Courses
CCB700. Basic and Clinical Aspects of Cancer. 2 HR. PR: Consent. This course is designed for upper level graduate students. Course will focus on cellular signals and tumor microenvironment, as well as diagnostics and therapeutic strategies. Prerequisite: BMS730, Introduction to Cancer Cell Biology or consent of instructor. Steve Frisch, PhD, Course Coordinator.
CCB701. Oncogenes and Signaling Networks. 3 HR. This course is designed for upper level graduate students. Course will focus on cellular transformation, mitogenesis, tumor survival, motility and kinase signaling. Prerequisite: BMS730, Introduction to Cancer Cell Biology or consent of instructor. Jess Cunnick, Ph.D., course coordinator.
CCB705. Journal Club for Cancer Cell Biology. 1HR. A study of contemporary topics selected from recent developments in the areas of tumor microenvironment and signaling networks. Club meets at noon on Thursdays.
CCB710. Graduate Seminar in Cancer Cell Biology. 1 HR. PR: Consent. Wed, Noon, Rm HSN 2116
CCB797. Research. 1-15 HR. PR: Consent. Research activities leading to thesis, problem report, research paper or equivalent scholarly project, or a dissertation.
(Minimum 9 credits to remain full time in during the regular semesters.)
Spring Courses
BMS730. Introduction to Cancer Cell Biology. 2 HR. This introductory course is designed to familiarize first year graduate students with concepts in basic science cancer research. Topics include signal transduction, tumor growth and metastasis. Jess Cunnick, Ph.D., course coordinator.
CCB702. Cancer Therapeutics. 3 HR. This course is designed for upper level graduate students. Course will focus on therapeutic strategies, drug resistance, drug design and clinical trials. Prerequisite: BMS730, Introduction to Cancer Cell Biology or consent of instructor. William Petros, Ph.D., course coordinator.
CCB705. Journal Club for Cancer Cell Biology. 1 HR. A study of contemporary topics selected from recent developments in the field. Journal Club meets at noon on Thursdays.
CCB710. Graduate Seminar in Cancer Cell Biology. 1 HR. PR: Consent. Wed, noon, Rm HSN 2116.
CCB797. Research. 1-15 HR. PR: Consent. Research activities leading to thesis, problem report, research paper or equivalent scholarly project, or a dissertation.
Summer Courses
CCB797. Research. 6-15 HR. PR: Consent. Research activities leading to thesis, problem report, research paper or equivalent scholarly project, or a dissertation. (Minimum 6 credits to remain full time in summer.)
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